Trust That Kills

Comfort Food

It's amazing how your life can change in an instant. One single moment placed in your path by fate can rebut every predetermined action you've ever decided.

My heart was full and alive. I had never laughed so heartily or hugged so tightly. I had never felt the comfort of knowing, no matter what, somebody is there for you, every single moment - simply because they want to be.

"Welcome to Anastasia Island Miss Stacy."

Mesmerized by the beautiful scenery, I was at a loss for words. Clouds were extinct in the clear blue skies above the endless view of waves and salt water. In the distance, random dolphins would jump out of the water. I had never seen one in real life.

"You've really never been to the beach?" Jarred couldn't believe it, the fact that I've never swam in the ocean.

"No Jay," I answered, "I've never been to the beach before. There's a first time for everything."

He smiled and set up the beach chairs we brought along while I put on sun tan lotion. My plan to set up the mini canopy failed miserably when the powerful wind tackled us both to the ground. Sandy and embarrassed, I pouted my way over to a huge rock and waited for Jarred to do all the work.

"Thank you for bringing me out here. These past few weeks have been absolutely breathtaking. I see why so many people want to move to Florida."

"That's what friends are for Stacy. I've had a great time showing you around. Chilling with you is a safe place for me. I don't know what it is but you change me."

"Well, let's hope it's for the better. Although, I can't see you having a bad side," I replied.

"I wouldn't say bad. Everybody has a side to them that they don't like. Whether it's a big or little part, it's there. These past few years have been pretty rough for me, so some of my bad side has become a little more prevalent. But you bring out the good in me," he confessed looking deep into my eyes.

The way he stared at me. There was some kind of emotion there. Like he needed me. And at the same time, I needed him. He felt like home.

We sat in the sun for hours that felt like mere minutes. I tested the ocean and it proved to be too cold for swimming. Other patrons splashes around the water as if it were the perfect temperature.

All at once, the dark clouds began rolling in, forcing us to pack up in haste and head towards the car.

"There goes that idea," I overheard Jarred mumble.

"What idea?"

"Oh.. Well, I was just planning to take you on a walk around sunset and have a talk with you. I see that isn't going to happen so-"

"We can still talk," I interrupted, "our mouths won't stop working on account of rain."

Jarred flashed a smile as we closed the trunk and got in the car, just as the sky broke in two, letting a flood from the heavens pour out.

"So talk." Curiosity was getting the best of me.

"I'm not the type that usually puts their feelings out. I don't like being vulnerable. But you do something to me, something that lets me be myself. So... I'm just gonna say it..

Stacy, I like you. A lot. I want you to be my girlfriend. I want you to move in with me and let me take care of you while you go to school. I can be everything you need. I can make you happy. So what do you say?"

I was shocked. I can't say I didn't see this coming, but I was so scared. In all honesty, I had never had a real boyfriend. I dated a boy one time when I was a sophomore, but I later found out it was only for a bet between him and his buddies. After that, I wrote off all relationships.

"I'm scared," was all I could manage to produce.

"Of what? You don't have to be scared with me Stace."

Stace. My heart melted. My daddy always called me that. So I took it as a sign...

"Okay."

"Okay?! For real?! You're my girlfriend?!" Jarred squealed. He looked so excited!

"For real. But one thing, I want to move slow. I'm not ready to move in with you. I want to do this right."

"Fair enough. I can deal with that. You don't know how happy I am. Let me take you to dinner tonight."

Jarred slipped his hand under mine and interlaced out fingers. I turned up the slow jazz and we cruised back to Gainesville.

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BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BE--

That alarm clock has become my arch enemy! 6:45 gets here way too early. Especially when you spent the previous night hanging out with your boyfriend and his buddies. It had been like this for the past two months. I knew I needed some serious rest.

The cold concrete floor stung the soles of my feet, jolting me wide awake. The slacker in me wanted to lay back down, but the student in me knew better.

Class seemed to last a lifetime and it didn't help that I had left my phone at home. The instructor wrapped up the lesson as I gathered my supplies to exit.

"Glad to see you're where you're supposed to be," I heard as I entered the sunlight.

"Baby, what are you doing here? I thought we were going to catch a movie tonight. You know I have class all day."

"I also know you haven't been answering your phone!" Shouted Jarred as he grabbed my arm.

"Excuse you! Get your hands off of me! What's your problem?!" Jerking away from his grip, I turned around and started toward the courtyard.

"Don't walk away from me! I'm talking to you!"

I heard him jogging towards me so I turned around to face him. His face looked unfamiliar. A stranger in every essence.

"Look, when you didn't pick up the phone this morning, I got worried. I called you a few more times and when you didn't answer, I came looking for you. I'm sorry if I came off aggressive." He explained.

"Aggressive ain't the word, Jay! You were dead wrong. I'm going to class and you can forget about the movie tonight. I'll call you later. Maybe tomorrow." I spoke calmly and quietly. Turning on my heel to walk away, I picked up my things and headed off.

Once all my classes were finished, my dorm was my destination. A gift sat in front of my door with a big red ribbon.

I sat the gift on my bed and proceeded to the shower. What a long day it had been. The hot water massaged my back and released the tension in my neck. I suddenly remembered I was supposed to call my mom and update her on how school had been going.

While drying off, I unwrapped my gift. A beautiful black evening dress was gently folded within tissue paper. I held the dress at full length and admired the beautiful detail in the embroidered built in corset that connected to a long tight fitting silk bottom. Laying in the box were a pair of fire red stilettos and a beautiful clutch to match the same color.

I was amazed as I read the card.
'I'm sorry I was such a jerk today. You deserve better than that. You know my number, and I'll be waiting for your call. This is a gift to show I'm sorry. Whenever you're ready, get dressed and call me.

Yours Truly,
Jay'

How could he be so sweet after being so mean today? This is one reason why I didn't deal with boyfriends. Maybe a few days apart would be good.

Once I located my phone to call my mother, I entered my password and checked my notifications.

14 texts, 6 voicemails, and 38 missed calls...

From Jarred...